Psalm 113 is really not a good choice for Mother's day. Because frankly, hearing it read feels like a knife being stuck in and twisted. Yes, sometimes God "... settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children." But often he doesn't. And being told that he does (especially on a day which makes childlessness even more difficult) really seems like a slap in the face. I am left wondering "why?" If he does, then why not me, or Jenell, or Alicia, or any of the other women I know who long for children?
Engagment announcements twist the knife a little more.
When I came home last night, I had to work my way through alleys and down streets I don't normally drive. Two trees fell across streets right by my house, completely blocking the way. Fortunately, my big cottonwood is still standing, with only one small limb down. A long piece of flashing tore off my roof and landed crumpled in the front yard. But driving to work through Como Park this morning was like driving through a war zone. I cannot envision the force of the wind that was able to snap trees off as if they were toothpicks. Once house that I always admire had a huge maple stuck through several second-story windows.
I wanted to stay home from church last night, but was signed up to bring food & help with the toddlers. Now I'm glad I wasn't at home when the storm hit.
The cottonwood will probably have to be removed, unfortunately. If it falls, it will take out the back of the house.
Posted by rachel at May 10, 2004 12:38 PM
I couldn't figure out what Psalm 113 meant. It could mean that God will give the barren woman children. Or it could mean that He will bless her so she is happy as the woman with children, though she herself is still barren. Or am I reading it wrong? It intrigued me at first, but then it seemed to have double meaning in its English translation, so I gave up. I concluded that indeed, God is confusing when it comes to these things.
Posted by: jenell at May 10, 2004 03:27 PM